With average temperatures ranging from -4°C in January to 21°C in July and
less than 65 centimeters of rain or snow, Bulgaria's climate of hot summers
and cold winters prove suitable to many travellers. However, the climate in
Northern Bulgaria is moderate continental, while the climate in Southern Bulgaria
is intermediate continental tending to Mediterranean. The climate in high regions,
such as the ones with an altitude of 1900-2000 m above sea level, is mountainous
and maritime along the Black Sea coast.

In seaside regions, the climate is milder in the winter and cooler in the summer than the climate of the interior of the country. Historically, the lowest temperature in Bulgarian was -38°C in 1947. It is extremely rare for winter temperatures to dip below the zero mark.

Despite the fact that Bulgaria is located at approximately the same latitude
as Boston, Massachussetts, Bulgaria's climate is noticeably more temperate
because of its continental location.

Summers are usually hot and dry, but rarely stifling or scorching a lower
humidity helps keep summer months from being too hot. Winter months will reach
freezing, but Bulgaria has no extremely low temperatures. Mediterranean influences
temper the continental climate of the interior areas and in the coastal regions
along the Black Sea. Moreover, the country's six mountain groups have a dramatic
influence in the regional variations of the weather in Bulgaria.

When to Go?

This key question must be answered in the light of the traveller's preferences, since some months are more appropriate for bird watching and some others, for skiing.

Nature lovers and bird enthusiasts will find that May, June, August, and September are the best months for viewing many species as they migrate. Since February 2003, leading bird touring companies often organize their group trips to Bulgaria as early as February to try to catch unusual species.

There are excellent skiing seasons, when tourists can enjoy the rugged snow-capped peaks and the soft green slopes. Equally appealing are the cool forests, ski resorts, and small picturesque villages. Every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristics.

Bulgaria has many mountainous regions. It stands to reason that higher elevations will receive greater precipitation amounts and cooler temperatures. Snow is often seen on the mountains for six months of the year and is often a meter deep. Those who avoid skiing and prefer the sun will enjoy clean air and sunny days that occur approximately 250 days per year.

Where to go?

For example, Bansko is a climatic mountain resort with a short summer and
long winter, surrounded by Pirin, Rila, and Rhodopa mountains, where the average
temperature during January - the coldest month - is -1.9C. The skiing season
along the Pirin slopes ranges from December to April. Ski conditions at Bansko
are favorable for all levels. The resort offers trails for both beginners and
experts. Trails are well groomed. After hitting the slopes, it is easy to tour
the town's array of museums, restaurants, shopping plazas, and historic monuments.

Another special place is a ski resort called Borovets, which provides an opportunity
for a wide variety of winter forts. You can expect to discover Alpine skiing,
cross country skiing, and ski jumping. Borovets has been host to the World
Cup alpine skiing twice and the biathlon once. Many feel the biathlon course
is one of the worlds greatest courses. Air quality at Borovets is exceptional
with no measurable pollution. With average temperatures reaching -4°C in January,
the area is a ski loverâ€™s paradise.

Some drawbacks:

Bulgaria is situated in a semi-arid zone, and is suffering from severe water resources shortages. During periods of rain, hazardous floods often occur causing considerable damages. These floods are the result of the irregular distribution of precipitation and the influence of some other climatic factors.

For that reason, hydrological forecasts, along with the operational hydrological data are important instruments in water management and flood prevention in Bulgaria. The real time hydrological data processing, preparation of hydrological predictions and products as well as the development and set-up of relevant methodologies and software are the major tasks of the Division of Hydrological Forecasting at the Hydrology Department of NIMH.

According to NIMH, environmental changes are assessed by testing the water and air composition taken from a number of area water sources. NIMH states that problems with water and air quality are more closely linked to the water sources versus the atmospheric changes.

In order to asses those conditions, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), by the actions of the department "Atmosphere and Hydrosphere Composition", performs the necessary activities, such as measurements and laboratory analyses, databases and information services, theoretical studies, and experimental studies.

At present, the NIMH is carrying out research on Bulgaria's climate and air
pollution in the region of eastern Sofia. They are also implementing a study
of radiation and moisture conditions in forest areas. The Institute is also
working in the implementation of a German method for more precise regional
forecasting and weather patterns.

To sum up, Bulgaria's moderate annual temperatures allow for four seasons.
Winters typically reach lows of 0°C and summers reach 10.5°C. Southern
regions enjoy Mediterranean weather with mild winters and hot summers. Despite
the warmth, it is rare for the temperature to exceed 30°C in the summer.
All these characteristics make Bulgaria one of the most important European
tourist places. In view of the measures taken by the NIMH, Bulgaria may keep
their rivers unpolluted, which along with its clear-crystal air are part of
the mankind's heritage.